STAN Tennison has been named as the new chairman of the Basingstoke UKIP branch.

The 53-year-old, who set up the party’s Basingstoke branch with UKIP prospective parliamentary candidate Alan Stone, has announced that he will take over the role from Mr Stone, to allow him to dedicate his time to the May General Election.

Mr Tennison, who lives in Stratfield Road, Oakridge, told The Gazette: “Alan and I started the branch up in 2010 and as he picked up the baton for the prospective parliamentary role, I thought I would do my extra bit and become the new chairman.”